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Thomas Hobbes was born in London in 1588, a year marked by significant political upheaval in England.
Answer: False
Thomas Hobbes was born in 1588 in Westport, Wiltshire, not London. While 1588 was indeed a year of political significance due to the Spanish Armada, his birthplace was not London.
Following his father's departure due to a dispute, Thomas Hobbes was raised by his uncle, Francis, who was a wealthy glove manufacturer.
Answer: True
After his father abandoned him, Thomas Hobbes was raised by his uncle, Francis, who was a glove manufacturer and provided him with financial support.
Hobbes pursued his higher education exclusively at the University of Oxford, graduating from Christ Church College.
Answer: False
Hobbes attended both Magdalen Hall, Oxford, and later completed his degree by incorporation at St. John's College, Cambridge. He did not attend Christ Church College.
Hobbes's father was a learned clergyman who supported his son's education.
Answer: False
Hobbes's father, Thomas Sr., was the vicar of Charlton and Westport but was reportedly uneducated and disliked learning. He abandoned his family, leaving Hobbes to be raised by his uncle.
Hobbes embraced the scholastic philosophy taught at Oxford and focused his studies on its principles.
Answer: False
Hobbes was reportedly not attracted to the scholastic logic and philosophy taught at Oxford; instead, he pursued his own curriculum, focusing on classical Greek and Latin authors and mathematics.
Thomas Hobbes was born prematurely in 1588, reportedly due to which alarming event?
Answer: News of the impending invasion by the Spanish Armada.
Hobbes was born prematurely in 1588, reportedly because his mother heard news of the impending invasion by the Spanish Armada, leading him to later remark that his mother gave birth to twins: himself and fear.
Who took care of Thomas Hobbes after his father abandoned him following a dispute?
Answer: His wealthy uncle, Francis.
After his father abandoned him, Thomas Hobbes was taken under the care of his wealthy uncle, Francis, who was a glove manufacturer and had no children of his own.
Which of the following institutions was NOT attended by Thomas Hobbes for his higher education?
Answer: Christ Church, Oxford
Hobbes attended Magdalen Hall, Oxford, and completed his degree by incorporation at St. John's College, Cambridge. He did not attend Christ Church College.
Hobbes's long-standing association with the Cavendish family provided him with financial stability, intellectual engagement, and opportunities for extensive European travel.
Answer: True
His role as tutor and secretary to members of the Cavendish family offered Hobbes significant financial support, intellectual stimulation, and the opportunity for extensive travel across Europe.
Hobbes's European travels exposed him primarily to ancient Greek philosophical texts, reinforcing his scholastic education.
Answer: False
Hobbes's European travels exposed him to contemporary scientific methods and critical thinking, which contrasted with the scholastic philosophy he had encountered at Oxford, rather than reinforcing it.
Hobbes's 1628 translation of Thucydides' *History of the Peloponnesian War* was significant because it was the first English translation directly from a Greek manuscript.
Answer: True
Hobbes's 1628 translation of Thucydides' *History of the Peloponnesian War* was notable as it was the first English translation rendered directly from a Greek manuscript, and he considered Thucydides the most politic historiographer.
Upon returning to England in 1637, Hobbes's primary intellectual focus shifted to theology and religious doctrine.
Answer: False
Upon returning to England in 1637, Hobbes's initial intellectual focus was on the physical doctrine of motion and momentum, conceiving a grand philosophical system that would explain Body, Man, and the State, rather than theology.
Hobbes translated the letters of Paolo Sarpi to support the divine right of kings.
Answer: False
Hobbes translated the letters of Paolo Sarpi, a Venetian scholar who advocated for the autonomy of the state in temporal affairs, reflecting Hobbes's engagement with ideas concerning church and state relations, not necessarily to support the divine right of kings.
What significant benefit did Hobbes gain from his connection with the Cavendish family?
Answer: He received intellectual stimulation, financial support, and travel opportunities.
Hobbes's association with the Cavendish family, serving as tutor and secretary, provided him with crucial financial stability, intellectual engagement, and opportunities for extensive European travel.
How did Hobbes's travels in Europe influence his intellectual development?
Answer: They exposed him to contemporary scientific methods and critical thinking, contrasting with his Oxford education.
Hobbes's European travels exposed him to contemporary scientific methods and critical thinking, which offered a contrast to the scholastic philosophy he had encountered during his education at Oxford.
What was notable about Hobbes's 1628 English translation of Thucydides' *History of the Peloponnesian War*?
Answer: It was the first translation directly from a Greek manuscript into English.
Hobbes's 1628 translation of Thucydides' *History of the Peloponnesian War* was notable because it was the first English translation made directly from a Greek manuscript.
Thomas Hobbes is principally recognized for his seminal treatise, *Leviathan*, published in 1651, which established foundational principles for modern political philosophy.
Answer: True
Thomas Hobbes is principally recognized for his seminal treatise, *Leviathan*, published in 1651, which presented a comprehensive formulation of social contract theory and laid foundational principles for modern political philosophy.
In *Leviathan*, Hobbes introduced the concept of the 'social contract' but did not elaborate on the 'state of nature' or the 'laws of nature'.
Answer: False
In *Leviathan*, Hobbes extensively elaborated on the concepts of the 'state of nature,' often described as a 'war of all against all,' and the 'laws of nature,' which he posited as essential for establishing civil society and the social contract.
Hobbes posited that a sovereign's authority should be divided among different branches of government to ensure checks and balances.
Answer: False
Hobbes rejected the division of sovereign authority among different branches, arguing that such division would lead to internal strife and undermine the stability and security that only an absolute, undivided sovereign could provide.
According to Hobbes's political theory, subjects held property rights that were superior to the sovereign's claims.
Answer: False
Hobbes's theory posited that no individual could hold rights of property against the sovereign; the sovereign possessed ultimate authority over property, capable of taking subjects' goods without their consent.
Hobbes described the state of nature in *Leviathan* as a peaceful condition where life was comfortable and secure.
Answer: False
Hobbes famously described the state of nature in *Leviathan* as a condition where life is "solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short," characterized by constant fear and the danger of violent death, lacking any comfort or security.
Hobbes argued that people establish civil society and a sovereign authority primarily to escape the fear of death and secure basic necessities.
Answer: True
Hobbes contended that the primary motivation for individuals to leave the state of nature and form a civil society under a sovereign is the fear of death and the desire for a comfortable existence, which requires security and order.
Hobbes supported the concept of separation of powers as essential for preventing tyranny.
Answer: False
Hobbes rejected the concept of separation of powers, believing that divided authority would lead to internal strife and conflict, thereby undermining the stability and security that only an absolute sovereign could provide.
Hobbes proposed avoiding the 'war of all against all' by establishing a system of democratic governance with divided powers.
Answer: False
Hobbes proposed avoiding the 'war of all against all' by establishing an absolute sovereign authority, not a democratic governance with divided powers, which he believed would lead to instability.
Hobbes argued that the sovereign's power was limited by the property rights of the subjects.
Answer: False
Hobbes argued that the sovereign possessed ultimate authority over property rights, meaning subjects' property rights were not superior to the sovereign's claims and could be overridden.
Hobbes agreed with Aristotle's view that humans are naturally suited for life in a polis.
Answer: False
Hobbes rejected Aristotle's thesis that humans are naturally suited for life in a polis. Hobbes's philosophy emphasized the necessity of a sovereign for security, contrasting with Aristotle's view of humans as inherently social political animals.
The phrase 'bellum omnium contra omnes' refers to Hobbes's concept of a peaceful civil society.
Answer: False
The Latin phrase 'bellum omnium contra omnes,' meaning 'war of all against all,' refers to Hobbes's concept of the state of nature, a condition of perpetual conflict without government, not a peaceful civil society.
Hobbes viewed the state as divinely ordained, with the sovereign acting as God's representative on Earth.
Answer: False
Hobbes did not view the state as divinely ordained; instead, he argued that the state was instituted by humans for their own convenience and security, with the sovereign deriving authority from the social contract, not divine mandate.
Hobbes believed the state was instituted by humans for their own convenience and security, not by divine mandate.
Answer: True
Hobbes posited that the state was instituted by humans out of necessity to escape the state of nature and provide security and order, emphasizing its origin in human convenience and self-interest rather than divine decree.
What is Thomas Hobbes most renowned for in the field of political philosophy?
Answer: Authoring *Leviathan* and formulating social contract theory.
Thomas Hobbes is most renowned for his seminal work *Leviathan* and his comprehensive formulation of social contract theory, which profoundly influenced subsequent political philosophy.
What key concept, famously described as a 'war of all against all' (*bellum omnium contra omnes*), did Hobbes popularize in *Leviathan*?
Answer: The state of nature
Hobbes popularized the concept of the 'state of nature' in *Leviathan*, describing it as a condition of perpetual conflict, or 'war of all against all' (*bellum omnium contra omnes*).
According to Hobbes, why is an absolute sovereign necessary for societal security?
Answer: To prevent internal strife that arises from divided authority.
Hobbes argued that an absolute sovereign is necessary for societal security because any division of authority would inevitably lead to internal strife and conflict, thereby jeopardizing stability.
How did Hobbes's political theory view the relationship between the sovereign and property rights?
Answer: The sovereign possessed ultimate authority over property, potentially taking subjects' goods without consent.
Hobbes's theory posited that the sovereign held ultimate authority over property rights, allowing the sovereign to take subjects' goods without their consent, as no individual rights were superior to the sovereign's power.
In *Leviathan*, Hobbes famously described the state of nature as a condition where life is:
Answer: Solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.
Hobbes famously described the state of nature in *Leviathan* as a condition where life is 'solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short,' characterized by constant fear and the absence of society or culture.
What motivates individuals, according to Hobbes, to leave the state of nature and establish a civil society?
Answer: The fear of death and the need for comfortable living.
According to Hobbes, individuals are motivated to leave the state of nature and establish civil society primarily by the fear of death and the desire for a comfortable living, which requires security and order.
Why did Hobbes reject the separation of powers in his political theory?
Answer: He thought it would lead to internal strife and undermine stability.
Hobbes rejected the separation of powers because he believed that dividing authority would inevitably lead to internal strife and conflict, thereby undermining the stability and security provided by an absolute sovereign.
What did Hobbes mean by the state being 'instituted by man for his own convenience'?
Answer: The state was formed by humans out of necessity to escape the state of nature and provide security.
Hobbes meant that the state was not divinely ordained but was created by humans through a social contract out of necessity to escape the perils of the state of nature and establish security and order.
Besides *Leviathan*, Hobbes authored only one other major philosophical work, *De Corpore*.
Answer: False
Hobbes authored several major philosophical works besides *Leviathan*, including the trilogy *De Cive*, *De Corpore*, and *De Homine*, as well as the posthumously published *Behemoth*.
Hobbes fled to Paris in 1640 due to fears of political reprisal following the circulation of his treatise *The Elements of Law*.
Answer: True
The growing political discontent in England and the circulation of his treatise *The Elements of Law* led Hobbes to fear political reprisal, prompting his flight to Paris in 1640.
*De Cive*, completed by Hobbes in 1641, contained arguments that were later incorporated into his more famous work, *Leviathan*.
Answer: True
Completed in 1641, Hobbes's work *De Cive* contained lines of argumentation that were later repeated and elaborated upon in his more famous treatise, *Leviathan*.
In its conclusion, *Leviathan* debated the philosophical merits of Plato's political theories.
Answer: False
The conclusion of *Leviathan* addressed specific issues such as the right of subjects to change allegiance when protection is lost, rather than debating the philosophical merits of Plato's political theories.
Hobbes's final published work consisted of his philosophical treatise *De Homine*.
Answer: False
While *De Homine* was a significant work, Hobbes's final published works included translations of Homer's *Iliad* and *Odyssey* in 1675, and an autobiography in Latin verse in 1672.
Hobbes's *Elements of Law, Natural and Politic* demonstrated that his core ideas were formed only after the English Civil War.
Answer: False
The early work *The Elements of Law, Natural and Politic*, circulated before the English Civil War, demonstrated that many of Hobbes's core contractarian methodologies were developed prior to the major conflict.
The purpose of Hobbes's *De Homine* was to provide a comprehensive history of political thought.
Answer: False
The purpose of Hobbes's *De Homine* was not to provide a history of political thought, but rather to present an elaborate theory of vision and other topics within his broader philosophical system.
Which of the following is NOT listed as one of Hobbes's significant philosophical works besides *Leviathan*?
Answer: *Principia Mathematica*
Hobbes's significant works include *De Cive*, *De Corpore*, *De Homine*, and *Behemoth*. *Principia Mathematica* is famously associated with Isaac Newton, not Thomas Hobbes.
Why did Hobbes flee to Paris in 1640?
Answer: To avoid political persecution due to his treatise *The Elements of Law*.
Fearing political reprisal following the circulation of his treatise *The Elements of Law* amidst growing political unrest, Hobbes fled to Paris in 1640.
What was the significance of Hobbes's *De Cive*, completed in 1641?
Answer: It contained arguments later repeated in *Leviathan* and contributed to his reputation.
*De Cive*, completed in 1641, was significant as it contained arguments later incorporated into *Leviathan* and contributed to Hobbes's growing reputation in philosophical circles.
What specific issue was addressed in the 'Review and Conclusion' of *Leviathan*?
Answer: The right of a subject to change allegiance when protection is lost.
The 'Review and Conclusion' of *Leviathan* addressed the pertinent question of whether a subject retains the right to change allegiance when their sovereign is no longer capable of providing protection.
The English Civil War significantly shaped Hobbes's political thought, leading him to advocate for a strong, absolute sovereign to prevent societal collapse.
Answer: True
Witnessing the chaos and violence of the English Civil War profoundly influenced Hobbes's political philosophy, leading him to argue for the necessity of an absolute sovereign to maintain order and prevent civil strife.
The English Civil War prompted Hobbes to write *Leviathan* as a theoretical exploration of governance, detached from the immediate conflict.
Answer: False
The English Civil War did not prompt Hobbes to write *Leviathan* as a detached theoretical exploration; rather, the work was a direct response to the political crisis and chaos of the conflict, advocating for an absolute sovereign as a solution.
Which historical conflict profoundly influenced Hobbes's advocacy for an absolute sovereign?
Answer: The English Civil War
Hobbes's advocacy for an absolute sovereign was profoundly influenced by his direct experience and observations of the destruction and chaos caused by the English Civil War.
How did the English Civil War directly influence the writing of *Leviathan*?
Answer: It prompted Hobbes to write in response to the political crisis, advocating for an absolute sovereign.
The English Civil War directly influenced *Leviathan*, prompting Hobbes to articulate his theory of civil government and advocate for an absolute sovereign as a means to resolve the political crisis and prevent societal collapse.
Hobbes's critique of Descartes's *Meditations* was published as the first set of 'Objections' appended to Descartes's work.
Answer: False
Hobbes's critique of Descartes's *Meditations* was published as the third set of 'Objections' appended to Descartes's work in 1641, not the first.
The publication of *Leviathan* in 1651 led to Hobbes being widely praised and embraced by both Catholic and Anglican authorities.
Answer: False
The publication of *Leviathan* in 1651 resulted in significant criticism, particularly from religious authorities of both Catholic and Anglican persuasions, due to its secularist arguments. Hobbes faced considerable backlash rather than praise.
In 1666, Hobbes faced an investigation by the House of Commons concerning his book *Leviathan* due to accusations of atheism and profaneness.
Answer: True
In 1666, the House of Commons initiated an investigation into Hobbes's *Leviathan*, prompted by accusations that the book promoted atheism and profaneness, leading Hobbes to fear being labeled a heretic.
As a result of the 1666 investigation, Hobbes was permitted to publish freely on any subject in England.
Answer: False
Following the 1666 investigation, Hobbes was prohibited from publishing further works on subjects related to human conduct in England. His Latin translation of *Leviathan* had to be printed abroad due to the lack of an English censor's license.
The dispute between Hobbes and Bishop John Bramhall primarily concerned Hobbes's theories on geometry and optics.
Answer: False
The dispute between Hobbes and Bishop John Bramhall primarily revolved around philosophical concepts of liberty, necessity, and chance, rather than geometry and optics.
Hobbes's work *De Corpore* led to a feud with mathematician John Wallis due to Hobbes's erroneous proof for the squaring of the circle.
Answer: True
Hobbes's *De Corpore* contained an erroneous proof for the squaring of the circle, which, along with his presentation of mathematical concepts, initiated a protracted feud with mathematician John Wallis.
Hobbes's religious opinions were generally accepted without controversy during his lifetime.
Answer: False
Hobbes's religious opinions were highly controversial, leading to accusations of atheism and heresy from contemporaries due to his emphasis on reason and his views on the corporeal nature of spiritual entities.
Hobbes defended himself against accusations of atheism by arguing that spiritual entities could be understood as corporeal.
Answer: True
Hobbes consistently defended himself against accusations of atheism by asserting that spiritual entities, such as God, could be understood as corporeal, aligning with views of some early Christian writers.
The 'Hobbes-Wallis controversy' was primarily a debate over theological interpretations.
Answer: False
The Hobbes-Wallis controversy was primarily a dispute concerning mathematics, stemming from Hobbes's erroneous proofs in *De Corpore*, rather than theological interpretations.
Hobbes believed that true revelation could contradict human reason and should be accepted solely on faith.
Answer: False
Hobbes believed that true revelation could never contradict human reason and experience. He argued that obedience to revelation, like obedience to the sovereign, was based on maintaining peace and avoiding conflict.
Hobbes's contemporaries often accused him of atheism due to his philosophical arguments.
Answer: True
Hobbes's philosophical arguments, particularly those concerning the corporeal nature of spiritual entities and the emphasis on reason, led many of his contemporaries to accuse him of atheism.
Hobbes's critique of René Descartes's *Meditations* was published as:
Answer: The third set of 'Objections'
Hobbes's critique of Descartes's *Meditations* was published as the third set of 'Objections' appended to Descartes's work in 1641.
What was the immediate consequence of *Leviathan*'s publication in 1651?
Answer: Hobbes faced significant criticism, particularly from religious authorities, and sought protection from the English government.
Upon its publication in 1651, *Leviathan* generated considerable criticism, especially from religious factions, leading Hobbes to seek protection from the English government and return to London.
In 1666, the House of Commons investigated Hobbes's *Leviathan* based on accusations of:
Answer: Atheism and profaneness
The House of Commons investigated Hobbes's *Leviathan* in 1666 due to accusations that the book promoted atheism and profaneness.
What restriction was placed on Hobbes's publications following the 1666 investigation?
Answer: He was prohibited from publishing anything further in England on subjects related to human conduct.
Following the 1666 investigation, Hobbes was prohibited from publishing further works on subjects related to human conduct within England.
The dispute between Hobbes and Bishop John Bramhall primarily revolved around which philosophical concepts?
Answer: Liberty, necessity, and chance
The dispute between Hobbes and Bishop John Bramhall primarily concerned the philosophical concepts of liberty, necessity, and chance, touching upon issues of determinism.
What was the primary cause of the 'Hobbes-Wallis controversy'?
Answer: Hobbes's erroneous mathematical proofs and presentation in *De Corpore*.
The primary cause of the 'Hobbes-Wallis controversy' was Hobbes's erroneous mathematical proofs, particularly his failed attempt to square the circle, as presented in his work *De Corpore*.
How did Hobbes defend himself against accusations of atheism?
Answer: By arguing that spiritual entities could be understood as corporeal.
Hobbes defended himself against accusations of atheism by arguing that spiritual entities, such as God, could be understood as corporeal, a position he maintained throughout his career.
Thomas Hobbes was considered a specialist solely in political philosophy.
Answer: False
Thomas Hobbes was a polymath whose contributions spanned political philosophy, history, jurisprudence, geometry, optics, and classical translations, demonstrating expertise in multiple fields beyond political philosophy.
During his final years, Hobbes lived at the Cavendish family's Chatsworth House estate and published translations of classical Greek epics.
Answer: True
In his final years, Hobbes resided at the Cavendish family's Chatsworth House estate, where he published translations of Homer's *Iliad* and *Odyssey* in 1675.
Christopher Hill argued that Hobbes believed political obedience stemmed primarily from divine ordination.
Answer: False
Christopher Hill argued that Hobbes replaced the concept of divine ordination as the basis for political obedience with human convenience and expediency, positing that the state is instituted by humans for their own security and order.
The Molesworth editions are considered foundational resources for studying Hobbes's philosophy.
Answer: True
The comprehensive collections of Hobbes's Latin and English works compiled by William Molesworth in the mid-19th century are considered foundational resources for scholarly study of his philosophy.
Hobbes's last words are traditionally recorded as 'A long journey into the unknown.'
Answer: False
Tradition records Hobbes's last words as 'A great leap in the dark,' not 'A long journey into the unknown.'
Hobbes made contributions to the field of optics, exploring visual phenomena in his writings.
Answer: True
Hobbes contributed to the field of optics through his writings, which explored visual phenomena, demonstrating his interdisciplinary engagement beyond political philosophy.
After the Restoration, Hobbes's philosophy, known as 'Hobbism,' was widely accepted and praised by the English establishment.
Answer: False
Following the Restoration, Hobbes's philosophy, or 'Hobbism,' was widely known but frequently denounced by respectable society, although King Charles II did grant him a pension.
Thomas Hobbes's contributions spanned multiple fields, marking him as a:
Answer: Polymath
Hobbes made significant contributions across various disciplines, including political philosophy, history, jurisprudence, geometry, optics, and theology, establishing him as a polymath.
During his final years at Chatsworth House, Hobbes published translations of which classical works?
Answer: The *Iliad* and the *Odyssey* of Homer
During his final years at Chatsworth House, Hobbes published translations of Homer's *Iliad* and *Odyssey* in 1675.
Christopher Hill characterized Hobbes's political theory as replacing divine ordination with what as the basis for obedience?
Answer: Human convenience and expediency
Christopher Hill characterized Hobbes's theory as replacing divine ordination with human convenience and expediency as the primary basis for political obedience.